Regional

By Austin Ramsey
The Messenger Inquirer
Republican congressman James Comer said new industrial hemp legislation he filed in the House on Friday has the credibility and bipartisanship it needs to become law.
The Tompkinsville lawmaker representing Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District managed to find support from both sides of the aisle and even sway GOP leaders who have stamped out industrial hemp efforts in the past.

FRANKFORT — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced Monday that voluntary “ag tag” donations in the 2017 fiscal year that ended June 30 amounted to $629,865.43, setting a record for the largest amount donated since the program began.
The voluntary donations are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

MADISON, Ind. – The Lick Creek Band of Paoli, Ind., will perform as part of Lanier Mansion’s Music at the Mansion concert series on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. Blending guitar and bass, the Lick Creek Band affectionately renders rock, pop, jazz and original music into their back porch tuneful stylings.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State Parks will be participating in the Aug. 21 Great American Solar Eclipse with fun and educational events during July and August.
Some parks have astronomy experts scheduled to give talks about the eclipse. Kenlake State Resort Park will kick off the events July 28 with “The Star Geezer” Mark Steven Williams. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park will host University of Louisville Astronomy Professor Benne Holwerda for a presentation the weekend before the eclipse.

CHICAGO – The U.S. soybean industry is turning a corner. This year, soy acres closed in on corn acres, narrowing the gap between the two crops. At the United Soybean Board’s (USB) July meeting, the booming supply of soy was a topic of discussion – as was the need for continued strong demand. Conversations shifted from increasing volume to maximizing value to set farmers up for long-term profitability.

FRANKFORT—Kentucky has 197 National Guard personnel currently deployed with the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force, with future mobilizations planned for later this year and in 2018 and 2019, state lawmakers were told last week.

Berea, KY – This summer, Kentucky farmers have an opportunity to recover losses for their unmarketable product while helping fight hunger. Through the Farms to Food Banks program, the Kentucky Association of Food Banks (KAFB) reimburses farmers for the cost of picking, packaging, and transporting their surplus or Number 2 - grade produce to a food bank. Eggs from Kentucky farmers are also being accepted for the first time this year.

Lexington Herald-Leader
Kentuckians will be safer, thanks to a pair of laws taking effect this week that strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence.
No longer can people be evicted or refused rental housing because of their status as a victim. The new law, which was sponsored by Rep. Melinda Gibbons Prunty, R-Belton, also requires landlords to allow survivors who have long-term protective orders to replace locks on rental housing and break leases.

By Mindy Eaton
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky is warning consumers about ransomware.
In light of the latest ransomware attack, it is more important than ever to make sure you are protecting your computer and other electronic devices.
Anyone using a smartphone, computer or any internet-connected device could be vulnerable. This scam can begin in many ways.